#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - Post 9661
Hello my darling dance devotees!
It's Emma here, back again with another #TutuTuesday delve into the enchanting history of the ballet tutu! As always, I'm radiating in my favourite shade of pink (the tutus always get the best lighting!) and sipping on a lovely Earl Grey, ready to transport you through time with tales of tutus, ballet, and a dash of vintage fashion.
This week, we're jetting back to February 21st, 2017 β oh my, the fabulousness of it all!
So, what's happening on this fabulous day in ballet history, you ask? Well, my dears, the world is buzzing with exciting news.
We have Royal Ballet performances taking place at the glorious Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. Now, who doesn't love a good Royal Ballet performance? And can you imagine the tutu ensembles on show?! Oh, the layers and the sparkles! And to think, we get to see them in live performance, a truly magical experience that warms my dancing heart.
And if London's not quite your scene, there's another beautiful ballet in store in New York. It's none other than the legendary American Ballet Theatre (or ABT, as the cool kids call it). It's performing βThe Sleeping Beauty,β the classic fairy tale. You can bet your bottom dollar that the costumes will be an absolute dream, especially the titular Sleeping Beauty's gown. Picture intricate tulle, shimmering embroidery, and enough sparkle to blind a pirate - we're talking haute couture for the stage!
And that's not all! For you lovely folks in California, there's ballet aplenty happening at the San Francisco Ballet too.
Honestly, who needs a time machine when there are such incredible events taking place around the world every day? We truly are living in a golden age of dance!
Now, let's talk about the real star of the show - the tutu itself! On this particular 21st of February, 2017, imagine tutus sweeping across stages in all their billowing glory. You have the classic romantic tutu, made of layers upon layers of tulle, delicate and dreamlike. You have the classical tutu, designed for perfect pirouettes and leaps, showcasing the dancer's athleticism in all its grace. And, for the brave and the beautiful, there's always the contemporary tutu - a fusion of classic elegance with modern experimentation, perhaps using fewer layers or incorporating unique textures.
Every single one, an iconic symbol of the dancer and her artistry!
Speaking of the dancers, I can only imagine the fabulous wardrobe they have on hand! Just imagine their wardrobes, bursting with an assortment of colorful tutus. And you know what? Just like a good ballet, every tutu is telling a story β a story of time, place, and the artist behind the choreography.
Now, let's rewind the clock a little further, back to where it all began.
As you might know, the tutu originated around the 1830s in Paris - that most fashion-forward of cities! The tutu was a direct evolution of fashion trends - think Marie Antoinette's crinolines and the ballooning shapes that were all the rage. Those beautiful skirts started getting shorter and shorter, which ultimately gave rise to the tutu.
Think about it! Imagine a whole new era for dancing where skirts suddenly went from long, cumbersome garments to something light, fluid and ethereal, designed to accentuate every twist and twirl.
This innovation led to the birth of what we call Romantic Ballet, where grace and elegance took centre stage.
And for you, dear reader, you know the best part? The story doesn't stop there. We're still seeing new and inventive tutus popping up in ballets everywhere. Designers and choreographers continue to push boundaries and redefine what the tutu can be. And I, for one, can't wait to see what stunning creations are in store for the future!
Before I go, I must implore you, my dearest tutu-lovers, to get out there and see a ballet! Every performance is a journey into the world of dance and the evolution of the tutu.
And you know what? Maybe this week, when you put on a beautiful, feminine outfit, why not add a touch of pink and embrace a dash of that ballet spirit? Just a tiny hint, maybe a beautiful pink scarf or a pretty pink hat? Let your inner ballerina shine, because letβs be honest, a bit of pink always makes you feel confident, powerful, and oh-so-feminine!
See you next Tuesday, and remember β keep dancing!
**Lots of love,
Emma xoxo**
P.S. * Don't forget to check out my amazing ballet blog, *www.pink-tutu.com, for even more fascinating facts about tutus, ballet, and all things pink. Join the fun and share your ballet memories, your tutu adventures, or simply your love for the pink tutu with us! You can find me on all the socials @PinkTutuEmma and don't forget to share your own tutu stories with #PinkTutuBlog!